One
of the things that Focal press does well is create
very approachable books on highly technical subjects.
Ansel Adams' Zone System is certainly one of the
most technical concepts a photographer will ever
deal with. Author Chris Johnson was a friend and
student of Ansel Adams. He is also a Professor of
Photography at the California College of Arts & Crafts.

In
this book Johnson provides photographers with the
information needed to understand and effectively
use the zone system in their daily shooting process.
The explanations enable photographers to apply
zone system techniques in the darkroom, in the
studio and on location during photography shoots.

Just
as important as the fundamentals of applying zone
system techniques, Johnson also provides his readers
with an understanding of how to test and calibrate
equipment, so that photographers and photo processors
can more effectively control results using their
workflow. For the visual photographer this is the
book to buy. The author strips away the heavy technical
coverage found in other books and visually bridges
the concepts. He makes the ideas in the Zone System
very approachable.

One of
the most important parts of the zone system is the photographer's
ability to pre-visualize the images and expose accordingly.
The method of pre-visualization is explained and clues
are given via illustrations and diagrams which help readers
understand how to make valid decisions during this process.

The Practical
Zone System is filled with useful tips, development and
film charts for traditional photographers and useful tips
for digital photographers. My only gripe is that the photographs
and examples suffer from being reproduced with standard
printing methods, rather than a high fidelity printing
process which would do much better justice to the examples
provided. As a result many of the images come off lacking
detail in the highlights and shadows.

If you're
already a more technically advanced photographer, you might
want to begin with this excellent book and then move on
to a more in-depth and technical title. I did find the
100 plus pages of appendices very interesting and full
of useful reference and technical info relating to both
film and digital image capture and processes.

Cons: Some
of the examples could have benefited from better source
material and printing.

Pros: Well
written and easy to follow. Excellent use of charts and
references throughout. The Practical Zone System is a great
starting point for photographers of all types to get a
worthy introduction to one of Ansel Adams' key theories
on photography. It is a book, which is let down, only by
the quality of the printing, but which should nonetheless
be in the library of every photographer who wants to understand
the use and control of tonality, in black and white images.
The book will also enhance readers' understanding of their
work in color. Author Chris Johnson very effectively deals
with both film and digital processes. His coverage of workflow
and digital output helps provide the groundwork for anyone
with even a modicum of technical ability, to be able to
produce images that meet and do justice to their creative
vision.Highly Recommended.